13 Halloween Nail Designs That Are Better Than A Costume

Our Halloween participation will never reach Heidi Klum-level craziness, but we like to keep it low-key festive. Let a themed manicure be your costume, because at least it doesn't involve fake blood or I-regret-everything glitter. From literal coffins to abstract candy corn, here are 13 spooky manicures to try this holiday.

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Coffin Nails

Take the coffin nail trend literally with, well, coffins. After shaping your edge, paint your nail black. Once dry add a gold outline and a detail to the center.

Dia de los Muertos

We've discussed our exhaustion of Dia de los Muertos face paint, but as a nail design? We're still down. Start with a white base, then add flowers for the eyes. Once dry and the finishing details in black.

Slithering Snake

A slithering snake is a nightmare to most but it makes for a really chill nail design. Start with a clear coat. Once dry, paint a continuing, wavy streak in red across your hand. Detail the snake's design with white and black, then finish it with a topcoat.

Moon Phases

From waxing crescent to waning gibbous, paint each stage of the moon for each nail. To get the moon's irregular texture, try a small-scale version of water marbling using a wet cotton swab to dab the gray polish.

Swirling Ghost

Negative Ghosts

Or take ghosts literally with this adorable outline. Start with a clear base, then paint the ghost shape in leaving the half moon of your nail bare. Add the eyes and mouth details in black, then seal it with a topcoat.